For many of us, catching a bus, walking to a familiar place or planning a day out is something we take for granted. But after a life-changing event, everyday journeys can become challenging and sometimes overwhelming.

For John, rebuilding confidence after an aneurysm has been a gradual journey. With ongoing short-term memory difficulties, fatigue and changes to his independence, travelling independently was something that felt out of reach.

After a long period of rehabilitation, with support from his family and the Travel with Confidence team at TCV Hollybush, John has gradually rediscovered his confidence, independence and sense of connection with his community.

When John first became involved with Travel with Confidence, buses were unfamiliar and something he wasn’t always comfortable using. The project gave him the opportunity to build those skills gradually, with support.

John learned how to plan his journey, including working out when he needed to leave home to reach the bus stop and arrive at his destination on time. He also learned new walking routes and became more familiar with his local area.

Organised day trips provided another important opportunity to practise these skills in a supportive environment. Meeting in town, travelling together and visiting places such as museums helped turn travel from something daunting into something enjoyable.

That change represents much more than simply getting on a bus. It is about having the confidence to make choices, plan ahead and feel able to participate in everyday life, demonstrating that travel is never just about getting from A to B. 

As John became more confident travelling to Hollybush, he became more connected to the people and places around him. He began recognising other Hollybush participants and volunteers on the bus and exchanging greetings with people he knew. These small moments of connection have become an important part of rebuilding his confidence.

“Hollybush has given him his confidence back”

John’s wife Mandy has seen a significant change in John. She describes how John had “lost his confidence” following his injury, and how the Travel with Confidence programme has helped restore it.

The combination of physical activity, routine, social connection and purposeful tasks appears to be supporting his overall wellbeing.

John’s story reminds us that rebuilding independence doesn’t have to happen all at once.

Travel with Confidence has helped John take steps toward greater independence, but perhaps most importantly, it has helped him reconnect with his community and with himself.